Bundesliga Talk - Latest Comments in The New Gaffer: Introducing Jol at Hamburg

Re: The New Gaffer: Introducing Jol at Hamburg

Double Pivot — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:47:02 -0000

So as much as I am fair and balanced when it comes to the Bundesliga, as a Spurs man, I must admit that I will probably treat HSV with a tad bit too much respect this year. Remind me if I get too out of hand.

Re: The New Gaffer: Introducing Jol at Hamburg

Rejlii — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:45:06 -0000

Interesting questions you pose, Chris.

While I think he ought to be commended for setting Liverpool on the right track, Houllier has made some questionable moves in the transfer market. Hamburg simply couldn't afford to suffer the same transfer mistakes that Liverpool did.

As for Rutten, well, I must admit he's still very much an unknown commodity to me. He hasn't done enough to impress himself on me (whether it's his style of play, successes or mistakes). A former FC Twente guy I'd consider would be Hans Meyer.

...But that's because I have a soft spot for him after he brought the DFB-Cup back to Nürnberg in 2007.

As for Jol himself, from what I've seen from the Emirates Cup at least he's bringing a nice attacking touch to the team. In 99/00 they ended up third and that's the last time they bagged more than 60 goals in a season. I'm not suggesting that offense alone secured them third (their goal difference was a very respectable +24). I'm also not suggesting Hamburg's been led by a Santini for the last several years, but Jol should be a fresh breath of (attacking) air.

Re: The New Gaffer: Introducing Jol at Hamburg

Chris — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:57:09 -0000

Mark-I loved this post and found your analogy of HSV to "a Dutch Portugal" to be spot on.

How do you think HSV would perform if Rutten had been offered the post? Or Gerard Houllier? How do you see them performing under Jol? They certainly are pressing the attack more than they did under Huub . . .

I am really looking forward to reading your blog--it's great to have quality analysis of the Bundesliga in English.